Ravens' New DC Zach Orr Reportedly Turned Down Packers to Remain in Baltimore

After Mike Macdonald left to become the head coach of the Seahawks, Baltimore promoted linebackers coach Zach Orr to replace him as its defensive coordinator.

After the departure of former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to become the head coach of the Seahawks, the Ravens promoted from within and named inside linebackers coach and ex-Ravens linebacker Zach Orr to replace him.

Orr interviewed on Tuesday with the Packers for their vacant defensive coordinator position per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, and were ready to extend an offer to Orr. 

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He ultimately chose to remain in Baltimore and the Ravens decided to keep in in that same capacity.

Orr, 31, is considered a rising star on the defensive side of the ball and has been coaching at the NFL level since 2017. He has been coaching the inside linebackers for the Ravens since 2022 and is considered widely responsible for the success of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen as one of the most feared linebacker duos in the league. Both players received Pro Bowl honors in 2023.

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The Ravens led the league in scoring defense and takeaways while allowing just six rushing touchdowns all season. Orr was undrafted out of North Texas in 2014 and was signed by the Ravens that same year. He was forced into retirement after the 2016 season due to the discovery of a congenital neck/spine condition.

Orr immediately moved into the coaching ranks with his team in Baltimore.